Niël Terblanché
In a concerning trend that exploits the hopes of many unemployed youths, scammers have employed social media platforms to disseminate deceptive information.
In this regard, the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service has issued a stern warning to young people to remain vigilant against scammers masquerading as ministry officials.
These deceitful actors have reportedly been soliciting banking details from unsuspecting victims under the guise of offering assistance related to the Youth Development Grant for the 2024/2025 period.
In the latest incident, scammers provide a link on social media platforms that features an image of Minister Agnes Tjongarero and falsely claims to direct users to an online application for the Youth Development Grant.
The ministry’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Aina Shikesho has expressed deep concern over these malicious attempts to defraud young individuals seeking support and opportunities for advancement.
Shikesho stated that the ministry has not authorized the distribution of any such links and strongly advises the public to refrain from clicking on them.
The scam extends beyond digital platforms.
Individuals impersonating ministry employees have targeted young people, especially those associated with the Frans Dimbare Youth Skills Training Centre in Divundu, Kavango East region.
These impostors have falsely informed many youths that they have been accepted into the program and subsequently under false pretences, requested their banking details.
The ministry made it clear that no announcements or releases of successful applicants for the Frans Dimbare Youth Skills Training Centre have been made.
Shikesho reiterated that genuine employees of the centre, or any ministry-affiliated institution, would never ask for personal banking information as part of the application or enrollment process.
She added that the situation serves as an alarming reminder for the youth to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication purporting to be from the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service or its associated entities.
Shikesho gave the Assurance that the ministry remains committed to safeguarding the interests and well-being of young people and took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of reporting any suspicious activities that exploit their vulnerability in these challenging times.
